krueger:

I too have posted in this thread, but due to all the negative posts about having a debate here, I have refrained. However, your last statement brings up simply more questions.

All "academic resources" were written by someone who either had first hand experience, or read other "academic resources". It has gotten to the point that I really have a hard time believing one side of any argument being thrown around in the academic world any more. Simply put, most everything is based on an opinion. While this opinion may correctly reflect the truth, it is still an opinion. Saying there are drug problems in a large city like New York is an opinion. It is widely believed, but still opinion. Think about it. We are assuming that the word "problem" means the same for all. With a discussion point like drug abuse, it is easy to get a majority to stand on one side of the line. With a discussion point like this thread has brought out, the line is far closer to the median of human beliefs.

Some will argue that the Native Americans have been treated really good! Lots of monitary incentives (education discounts), the ability to have casinos in states which don't support gambling (Michigan for one -- until Detroit), less restrictions on hunting / fishing. This sounds like good treatment to me!

But there is another side of the argument. We "Stole" their land! We confined the poor Natives of this country to land reservations. We took away their freedom and forced them to change to the new "American" way! Wow. The US Government looks horrible.

(Yes, I know. These are very basic arguments and overly simplified. I was simply trying to make a point)

And at the end of the day, both of the above statements are true. My belief is somewhere in the middle. What happened to the Native American's back in colonial times, and during the forming of our country was wrong. What the government is doing to them now is wrong. I don't necessarly agree with the past, but we are supposed to be "One Nation..." and while they may not have choosen this path for their native lands, they live here now. Just like you and I. I think all citizens should be treated equally. Extra incentive programs are not necessarly good. I'm not sure welfare is such a good idea in it's current state either. I think reforms need to be made. But really, that is neither here nor there.

For the most part, this thread was debating a current issue in our society. I think if all parties involved enjoyed the debate (if not, they should have left long ago), and were trying to be civil to each other, why should we condemn them? Academic arguments bear little relevance to first hand experience, and I believe it is safe to say that both muley and katbones have at least some first hand experience.

I will concede that this thread may be in the wrong topic (political may have been better), but why do so many people here get nasty when one shares their personal views? Most likely someone here will flame me for the beliefs put forth in this post. Fine by me. Some people have very stong views on specific topics. Also fine by me. But when people disagree, let them discuss their points. While they may come to no resolution, or agree to disagree, others may learn a great deal. Just don't get nasty when people don't agree. I'm not talking to anyone in specific -- just the general populus of this board. Not everyone is like you or I. Thank God for that....